In 2007 the Texas legislature mandated that school districts implement a “dating violence policy.” This policy must provide a definition on all aspects of “dating violence”, and also include education awareness for students and parents. Education and awareness are mostly given in high schools, but some question if this subject should be taught to younger students.
DENTON, Texas, May 9− Domestic violence has been an issue that affects individuals of all ages. For teens from the ages of 15 to 18 this type of violence is being referred to as “dating violence.” However, recent studies provided by organization Break the Cycle; show that domestic violence has increased in the age group 11 to 14. Other reports and studies suggest that the increase is due to the recession and the technology that helps this age group conceal the abuse. Dating violence is not considered just physical, but verbal in an oral and written form; young victims have received verbal abuse through text messages, IM chat, and social networks. “Nobody deserves to be abused, but sometimes they just don’t know that there’s help out there,” said Lead Counselor Mary Kay Hamilton of Genesis Women’s shelter; she along with other counselors from the shelter have visited high schools and educated students on dating violence. Hamilton also stated “I think it’s important that they do know if they call there’s no judgment.”
Dallas-Ft. Worth domestic violence organization Women Called Moses put effort into stopping the cycle of domestic violence through education and awareness to students at local schools. Women Called Moses has provided education to students in grades 5-12, students who have been taught by members of the organization have gained knowledge on how to identify the signs and who to contact for help. Students have also been educated on developing and maintaining healthy relationships, founder Debra Nixon-Bowles stated “Our goal is to stop the cycle of domestic violence by offering help to all members of the family, and by educating all victims and perpetrators.” But she like many others has offered her concerns about the amount of education given to students, “Just talking about abuse during “Teen Dating Violence” is not enough…schools need to play a stronger role in helping children to learn about and understand the different forms of violence.”

To those who have worked diligently to spread awareness about this issue, the education process doesn’t stop when they leave the classroom. Organizations like Women Called Moses believe that teachers and parents should continue the education, especially for students who have experienced violence at a young age. When asked about the continued education outside of the classroom and into the home, Nixon-Bowles went on to say “education starts at home with parents before it starts in the classroom. Parents are the first point of contact for their children in modeling acceptable behaviors. When parents exhibit behaviors that promote success away from home students are able to flourish while in the classroom.”
The mandate provided by the state legislature is an unfunded mandate, while sex and drug education is; this means schools and various organizations don’t receive federal funds to extend education to all grade levels or provide material that can be given out freely to all students and parents. “Sex and drug education is mandated because it is harmful and fatal. This can be said about domestic violence, as well. If it is not prevented or dealt with at an early stage, it can manifest into harmful and fatal results,” stated Grapevine ISD educator Whitney Williamson. The charismatic teacher continued by stating, “If this subject is taught at a young age, it will continue and carry-out through the rest of their lives. If this issue is taught continually and to its full content, students will be effective at recognizing signs and symptoms. Although it is a difficult subject, it is important it is not overlooked. It is very common and its awareness needs to be spread. “

Domestic violence is constantly referred to as the “cycle”, one that through continued education to those of all ages and increased awareness can be broken. For more information about domestic violence you can go to www.domesticviolence.org or visit www.womencalledmoses.org.